We’ve got so many incredible board book, picture book, middle grade, and YA titles heading to Peachtree this season, but now it’s time to add some more must-reads to your fall list with our picture book favorites returning in paperback! Check out these nonfiction reads, new Spanish editions of two Stanley adventures, a subversive fractured fairy tale, and more below.

About Habitats Polar Regions PB

About Habitats: Polar Regions
by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

In this addition to the About Habitats series, author Cathryn Sill uses easy-to-understand language to teach children what the Polar Regions are—from the frozen deserts of Antarctica to the ice floes of the Arctic Ocean—along with what kinds of animals and plants live there, how they have adapted to life in the environment, and why they’re important. Illustrator John Sill offers full-color art depicting the various landscapes and species of animals and plants. A glossary and afterword provide further details. Great for early childhood and elementary units on geography and habitats, nature and environment.

Stanley Y Su Camion De Bomberos

Stanley y su camión de bomberos
by William Bee

It’s another busy day for Stanley’s Fire Station! Stanley y su camión de bomberos stars all of Stanley’s friends in a brightly colored celebration of everyone’s favorite rescue vehicle. Not only is there an adorable fire truck, there’s also a ladder, hose, and extinguisher. The story is playful and fun but filled with important examples of the way firefighters help their communities. A great book for early fire safety discussions, community helper lessons, and more!

Stanley Y Su Tren

Stanley y su tren
by William Bee

All aboard on Stanley’s train! Tickets ready, please. Stanley and Charlie oil and grease the gears and shovel coal in the firebox before the train heads off on an adventure. The passengers have a beach ball, a toy boat, and an inner tube. Where could Stanley’s train be headed? Perfect for younger fans of Thomas and FriendsStanley’s y su tren highlights all the excitement children can have as train passengers—especially if they get to drive, have refreshments, and blow the whistle!

Don’t miss any of the titles in the Stanley series!

Bird Count

Bird Count
by Susan Edwards Richmond
illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

For the New England Christmas Bird Count, young Ava and her mother prepare to be the best “citizen scientists” they can be. With the help of their team leader Big Al, they record the tally of all the birds they see. Ava dutifully counts all the birds along the way, using her most important tools―her eyes and ears―and the birding identification techniques she’s learned. But will she locate her favorite raven again this year in time for their town’s annual Christmas Bird Count party? A charming picture book, just right for young citizen scientists, bird watchers, and nature aficionados.

Lemuel The Fool PB

Lemuel the Fool
by Myron Uhlberg
illustrated by Sonja Lamut

When Lemuel sets out on a journey across the sea, he makes sure to tie a red scarf on the bow and a rope to the stern; with the scarf waving before him and the rope trailing behind, he’ll always know he’s going the right direction. Disoriented after a storm, Lemuel lands near a strange new village―except that it’s strangely familiar, down to the woman who looks exactly like his own dear wife and even calls him by name. Later that night, a very confused Lemuel sets sail for home and away from the madness. With the red scarf before him and the rope trailing behind, he’s confident he’ll arrive at home again―and be safely back among the familiar.

Hansel Gretel PB

Hansel & Gretel
by Bethan Woollvin

 

Willow never used to worry about messy breadcrumb trails. Or entire portions of her gingerbread house being devoured. Or anyone fiddling with her spells and magic books and causing a ruckus. But Hansel and Gretel are two very naughty and very rude children, and they are trying Willow’s patience. This subversive retelling of “Hansel and Gretel” from New York Times Best Illustrated Book-winner Bethan Woollvin features striking and humorous visuals and a deliciously wicked twist ending that is sure to surprise and delight.

Abraham Lincolns Dueling Words PB

Abraham Lincoln’s Dueling Words
The Duel that Shaped a Future President

by Donna Janell Bowman
illustrated by S.D. Schindler

Abraham Lincoln was known for his sense of humor.  But in 1842, early in his adult life, it nearly got him into trouble. After becoming frustrated with the actions of his political rival James Shield, Lincoln came up with a plan. It was silly. It was clever. And it was a great big mistake! Lincoln, his future wife, and a friend of hers wrote a series of fictional letters to the editor, complaining about Shields. But when Shields took offense, he challenged Lincoln to a duel.

Carter Reads the Newspaper PB

Carter Reads the Newspaper
The Story of Carter G. Woodson, Founder of Black History Month

by Deborah Hopkinson
illustrated by Don Tate

 

Carter G. Woodson was born to two formerly enslaved people ten years after the end of the Civil War. Though his father could not read, he believed in being an informed citizen, so Carter read the newspaper to him every day. As a teenager, Carter went to work in the coal mines, and there he met Oliver Jones, who did something important: he asked Carter not only to read to him and the other miners, but also research and find more information on the subjects that interested them. This first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouraging a hunger for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told.

Seven and a Half Tons of Steel PB

Seven and a Half Tons of Steel
A Post-9/11 Story of Hope and Transformation

by Janet Nolan
illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Following the events of September 11, 2001, a beam from the World Trade Center Towers was given to the United States Navy. The beam was driven from New York to a foundry in Louisiana, where the seven and a half tons of steel, which had once been a beam in the World Trade Center, became the USS New York’s bow. Powerful text paired with stunning illustrations in this inspiring story reveal how something remarkable can emerge from a devastating event.

Yours for Justice Ida B Wells PB

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells
The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist

by Philip Dray
illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

In 1863, when Ida B. Wells was not yet two years old, the Emancipation Proclamation freed her from the bond of slavery. Blessed with a strong will, an eager mind, and a deep belief in America’s promise of “freedom and justice for all,” young Ida held her family together, defied society’s conventions, and used her position as a journalist to speak against injustice. But Ida’s greatest challenge arose after one of her friends was lynched. How could one headstrong young woman help free America from the looming “shadow of lawlessness”?